Relish Foods Recalls Frozen Tuna Steaks Due to Potential Risk of Food Poisoning

Relish Foods, the California-based food company, has recalled its Frozen Pacific Fusion Brand 10 oz. Tuna Steaks due to the potential risk of food poisoning.

The voluntary recall was initiated after a sampling by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) following a consumer complaint revealed the product has the potential to contain "elevated levels of histamines," which can produce an allergic reaction known as scombroid fish poisoning, according to a company announcement posted at the FDA website.

Relish Foods is "continuing the investigation with [the] FDA as to what caused the problem," the company said.

Scombroid poisoning is a type of food poisoning caused by the consumption of marine fish species most commonly from the Scombridae family (tunas and mackerels) that have started to spoil with the growth of certain types of food bacteria, the FDA explains.

Intoxication can result from eating certain frozen, cooked, cured or canned fish products.

Symptoms of scombroid poisoning include a tingling or burning sensation in the mouth, swelling of the face, rash, hives and itchy skin, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Symptoms can appear anywhere from within minutes to several hours after eating the affected fish.

Scombroid poisoning is typically not a severe or long-term illness and prevention is not difficult, the FDA says. But consumers are advised to seek immediate medical attention for treatment if symptoms are severe, the company announcement said.

According to Relish Foods, there currently aren't any products affected by the recall still available for purchase by consumers. The company has not received any other complaints to date apart from the initial complaint.

Which Relish Foods Products Are on Recall?

The recalled product (Frozen Pacific Fusion Brand 10 oz. tuna steaks) was distributed in northern California and sold at Save Mart Supermarkets and Lucky Stores from October 6, 2021 up to potentially December 27, 2021.

The item was sold to consumers as frozen 10 oz. tuna steaks and those sold individually would have been labeled with "Production Date : July 2021 Best Before : July 2023 R11G2821D22A D2091A." This information can be found on the top right corner on the packaging of the individual tuna steaks.

Products that do not bear the aforementioned label are not impacted by or involved in the latest recall, the company said.

Those concerned about whether the tuna steaks they bought are among the recalled ones are advised to check with the store where their item was purchased.

Consumers can also contact the company at 1-888-301-0881 for any further questions.